Case study completed by:
Michelle Thomas - Headteacher (Pembroke Dock Community School)
Jenny Cottrell - Class Teacher and Service Children Champion (Pembroke Dock Community School)
"I like every part of being in the group, it makes me happy and I look forward to it."
Service child - Pembroke Dock Community School
"Being in this small group with lots of different activities, gives me a boost and something to look forward to."
Service child - Pembroke Dock Community School
What is the Mini Explorers initiative and why is it carried out?
The Mini Explorers initiative was implemented to provide a space for our Service children to meet peers who are in a similar position to themselves, in order to set up a peer support network (hopefully lifelong) and to increase cross year group friendships.
The group takes part in regular activities, such as Forest and Coastal School, educational visits and STEM sessions.
It has been an excellent way for Service children to build relationships with staff. Service children now understand that they can go to a safe adult who knows them well, whenever they might need some support, advice, or comfort.
Finally, it gives the children an opportunity to relax, have fun and enjoy themselves!
What has the impact been?
The Mini Explorers project has had many benefits for the Service children, including:
- Developing their self-regulation skills
- Building resilience
- Gaining a sense of achievement
- Increasing motivation and concentration
- Improving problem solving
- Expanding their vocabulary and communication skills
- Feeling empowered and have new perspectives
- Building positive relationships with adults and peers.
All of these benefits collectively contribute to having overall improved wellbeing and mental health.
Within the first six months of the children attending the group, the Service children all and without exception, expressed a strong enthusiasm to attending the Service Children’s group and all reported the experience as positive.
"In a very short space of time the group has developed a cohesiveness and a sense of belonging. Friendships have been established across year groups. Nearly all of the group have a sibling that attends with them and all of these children have stated that they love having the opportunity to share these experiences together, as usually they would not be together during the school day."
Jenny Cottrell, Service Children School Champion
How will support be sustained for Service children to ensure long-term benefits?
Staff at Pembroke Dock Community School are committed to promoting pupil voice and listening to their Service children. Pupil voice was key to the development of this project and will continue to be used in future, so that activities are conducted in line with students' needs.
Staff will also continue to provide Service children with opportunities to come together in a safe space where they can talk and share worries.
The school will continue to work with SSCE Cymru to gain a greater understanding of the experiences and needs of Service children. Staff will also look for opportunities to celebrate Service children's unique link to the Armed Forces throughout the school year.
Raise awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant and the issues affecting the Armed Forces Community in Wales
For further information, see:
The SSCE Cymru school checklist, which includes a variety of suggested activities and ways to celebrate your Service children’s experiences.
Date produced: October 2022